CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight on over the future of a town hospital after a unit was closed temporarily.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has closed the minor injuries unit and two in-patient beds at the Memorial Hospital in Blaenau Ffestiniog for four weeks due to staff sickness.

Patients are being directed to contact their GP or go to the minor injuries unit at Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog, 14 miles away.

A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokesman said: “Due to further staff sickness, patient safety and the need to support existing nursing staff, the locality lead doctor and nurse have decided to reduce the number of beds from 10 to 8.

“We fully support the clinicians' decision to do this.

“Patients who need a Minor Injuries Service, should contact their local GP or visit the Minor Injuries Unit at Ysbyty Alltwen.”

The move has angered campaigners who say the announcement is a “cover up” for closing the unit permanently.

Geraint Vaughan Jones, of the memorial defence committee, said: “We’re not happy with the recent developments.

“We’re in contact with the health board. It’s not good enough.”

Mr Jones said campaigners had written to the health board asking why staff from other hospitals have not been able to cover for sick staff at the hospital.

There will be a public meeting on July 19 where health board officials will present their arguments.